Cho Dumpling King, Haymarket

Last week it was my dear friend K’s graduation. Whilst waiting around to pick up her cap & gown, we decided to grab a quick bite to eat. We walked over to Cho Dumpling King. This tiny Taiwanese restaurant is always, always packed. There is always a queue to get in, which is a good sign?! We waited for about 20 minutes before we got a table. The restaurant is so small, every single space they have is covered in tables and chairs, it’s almost impossible to move without having to ask someone to shuffle for you!

The food is always good and cheap (however I forgot to get the names and prices amongst all the graduation excitement. oops!). The only downside is the service. It is pretty darn terrible. Because there is such a high demand for a seat, their main objective is to get you in and out as quickly as possible! Whilst you are eating, the waiters and waitresses will hover around you and ask if you have finished, or clear your plates away even if you’re still going or simply stare you down until you leave! It’s quite funny. We sat there and ate our food real slow just to spite them! Plus, food is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely speed, it’s not a race!

Ok, onto the food. I already had lunch, so I had a green tea milk tea with pearls and picked at some of K’s food She ordered the lunch box set which came with a bowl of sour soup – very nice, if you go, you must try their house speciality which is the noodles with soup soup (sorry, don’t know the name!). We also grabbed a side dish from their display cabinet. It’s self service, so you just go up and grab whichever dish you like and they’re all $2.50.